Wegmans Food Markets announced it now offers free access to on‑demand American Sign Language interpreting through the Aira ASL app. Any customer or employee at a Wegmans store can connect to a professional ASL interpreter via the app.
Users download the Aira ASL app, tap a button and start a video call with a professional interpreter. The interpreter uses the video and microphone of the caller’s mobile device to facilitate communication between deaf and hearing people.
During store hours, the service is available on‑demand, with no scheduling or waiting.
The addition of Aira ASL builds on the history of on‑demand interpreting services at Wegmans. Since 2018, the grocer has offered Aira Explorer, an app that connects blind and low-vision callers with visual interpreters.
Free access to both services means anyone at a Wegmans store can obtain the communication and visual assistance they need.
“At Wegmans, we are dedicated to delivering incredible customer service to every person who walks through our doors,” said Tracy Van Auker, director of community engagement and communication. “This collaboration enables us to better serve our deaf and hard‑of‑hearing customers by providing them with an innovative way to communicate with our employees more efficiently.”
“Encountering communication barriers in high‑detail interactions while grocery shopping can be time-consuming and frustrating,” said Henri Grau, director of deaf community engagement at Aira.
“Aira ASL at Wegmans means more efficiency with tasks like ordering a custom item at the bakery, getting help with locating a hard‑to‑find item or discussing a product’s ingredients or preparation. We’re proud to be strengthening our relationship with Wegmans as they expand accessibility for all.”
About Wegmans
Wegmans Food Markets is a regional supermarket chain with 114 stores along the East Coast. The 110-year-old family‑owned company has been named one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For for 29 consecutive years, ranking fifth in 2026.